A/N Many thanks to MoonWolfRunner(MWR), Feebes, Mist, and AugustShaffer for their help with this chapter. These ladies are great and I greatly appreciate all their help and support.

SM owns Twilight and its characters, not me. Damn it!

I am in awe of all the love people have shown me on this story. All the favorites, joins, and reviews are like chocolate. Thank you so very much!

Hope you guys like this chapter, this is where things start picking up some steam. Choo Choo!

~B of L~

Songs: Sweet Dreams (Are Made of These) covered by Marilyn Manson

Chapter 10 - Cullens and Cooking

BPOV

I was slowly going insane.

It had all started about a week and a half ago. I had seen movement in my peripheral vision and when I turned, I saw the little boy from my dreams. However, I was wide awake.

I shook it off as just being tired. I'd had a restless night's sleep, thinking of Paul. I had spent the hours torn about my decision to not... sleep with him. I knew I couldn't do it and spend all that time together and expect to get anything done. And I wouldn't date him just to leave him in a few months. I knew guys didn't get attached and even if he was as bad of a boy as I had him pegged for, I wouldn't take that chance. If things turned to shit again, I didn't want him involved.

So, I had blamed my seeing the little boy on sleep deprivation and general over-thinking things. But then one instance turned into two, then four, until I had lost count.

Sometimes, he was outside my window when I looked in the morning. Other times I thought I saw him in the anti-theft mirrors running along the aisles at work. Once he was peeking at me from behind the shower curtain, when I was going the bathroom. Ewww!

Jax didn't see him and when I had asked Angela Weber, at work, if she had seen him running in the aisle, she had said no. She then spent the remainder of my shift giving me worried glances. I kept my mouth shut after that. I was beginning to think I was really hallucinating and I didn't want to think of the implications of that.

So after cooking enough food for an army the day before, I was on my way to Old Quil's house. I didn't want to end up eating everything I had made. I had already dropped off a chicken casserole, quiche, bread, chocolate no-bake cookies, and an apple pie at Jake and Billy's.

"What brings you by?" Old Quil called out from his porch swing, when I shut off the engine after arriving.

"I come bearing gifts," I announced, as I jumped out of the cab and started unloading its contents.

"Oh, your grandmother taught you well," he smiled, as he looked at the food in my hands. "A lot here. You been anxious about something?"

How the hell did he know that?

What was I supposed to say? 'I'm being stalked by a two-year old?' I'd be committed.

I'm sure I looked like a fish out of water. I quickly closed my mouth and replied, "N-No, why would you ask that?"

"Girl, you don't realize how much like Helen you are, do you? She would cook up a storm when she was upset. She'd cook all day and then invite a houseful of people to eat it. Sometimes, after the leftovers were put away and the kitchen sparkled once again, she would talk about what was bothering her. Other times not"

The image of my spotless kitchen as I had left this morning flashed before my eyes. Huh.

"I'm fine. Let me put these in the kitchen." Unnerved, I avoided his eyes as I moved past him.

"We still have some of Joy's meatloaf leftovers in the fridge. Why don't you take some of your food to Hank Wilde? I'm sure he and his grandkids will enjoy it."

He chattered while I put his pie up and picked up my old dishes to take home. When I moved to pass him on my way out, he stopped me and pulled me into a reluctant hug.

He whispered in my ear, "Always know that you can talk to me about anything. And if you don't want to talk, feel free to feed me."

I smiled at him, but didn't dare to speak.

"Be careful. Whatever you do, don't mention that you bring me pies every week, or that old fool will be here trying to steal it. I don't share food."

I rolled my eyes. The scary thing was, I wasn't sure if he was joking or not.

"See you later," I called behind me, as I left. Since the day was fairly nice, I decided to walk there instead of driving.

It was a pleasant stroll to the house, the sun was peeking through the clouds and a warm breeze was coming in from the south.

I recalled coming many times with Gran and Molly to visit Mr. Wilde's late wife, Doris. She was actually Old Quil's sister and had been a sweet woman with Old Quil's sense of humor and his eyes.

About halfway to the house, Jax found a squirrel to terrorize in a large tree; although, it didn't look too scared. I kept walking, not wanting to be associated with Jax's embarrassing display of barking his head off at what appeared to be an amused woodland creature. When I couldn't take any more noise with my headache, I spun around and growled at Cujo to shut the hell up. We continued along, Jax trotting sullenly beside me.

When we turned onto Mr. Wilde's street, I could see a small head full of black hair in the distance. The child's head bobbed along for a few seconds before disappearing from my vision, as they descended the hill toward the beach.

I walked up to the house and knocked on the door. I heard Hank shout, "I'm coming." I could make out mumbling just before the door swung open.

"Bella Swan. It's been a long time," he remarked, as he opened the screen door. I stood in shock for a moment, amazed that he recognized me.

Hoping that he didn't think I was touched, I finally found my voice. "How are you, Mr. Wilde?"

He looked behind him and then at me. "No Mr. Wilde here my dear. Call me Hank. Thought you might be the grandkids coming back, but they don't knock." I smiled as I entered the home. It was small, as most houses on the Rez were, but it was quaint. Doris had died a couple of years before Gran. I recalled that he had one daughter, but I couldn't remember where she lived.

Holding up my gifts, I said, "I was visiting Old Quil and he mentioned you might like this pie and lasagna."

"Quil V parted with food, willingly?" one eyebrow rose up.

"Reluctantly, but he kept a pie for himself."

He chuckled. "Sounds about right. I was going to make some tea. Would you like some?"

"Sure."

Following him into the kitchen, I asked for a pen and paper to write the reheating instructions for the lasagna. After searching each drawer and finding nothing, he walked to the table and handed me a crayon. I just smiled as I began to write, while he fiddled about making our drinks. Looking around the kitchen, I noticed there were several children's drawings on the fridge. And on the table I was sitting at, there was a couple of coloring books lying under a newspaper. Hank's grandchildren must visit here often, I thought.

"Let's move back into the other room. Never part an old man and his favorite chair for too long," Hank pulled me from my thoughts as he gestured to the other room.

"I'll try to remember that," I laughed, as I picked up the tray to carry into the living room.

We spoke for about thirty minutes, remembering Doris, Gran and Molly. Then, Hank excused himself to go to the restroom.

I rose from the couch and began to mill around the living room while I waited for his return. I looked at some of the older pictures of his parents and what looked to be of his wedding day on the end table. I moved toward the fireplace to look at the pictures that littered the mantel. One was of his daughter holding a small baby, beaming at the camera. Another was of Hank and Doris holding the same daughter when she was but a baby herself. Sipping my drink, I continued perusing along the mantel until I stopped.

What the...

I slowly turned back at the picture that had caught my full and undivided attention. A picture of a boy on a tricycle in the driveway of the very house I was standing in. Almost identical to the boy who had been playing hide-and-seek in my dreams for weeks, the pictured boy was staring back at me. His skin tone was quite a bit darker than his dream version, but the same dark-grey eyes pierced into me.

I wasn't positive that his lips didn't move, but I heard a childlike voice just the same. God help me! I heard it. And it was the same one as in the dream my first night back in Forks. Somewhere, either in the back of my mind, or in this very room, I heard a distinct but softly spoken, "Boo."

Goose bumps the size of the Volkswagens rose all over my body and a chill shot through my spine. Hearing the same child's voice may have freaked me the fuck out, but it was the warm breath I could feel being blown into my face that really scared the bejesus out of me. The loose strands of hair framing my face waved in the warm breeze.

Fuck!

I was powerless to stop the cup of tea that slipped through my fingers and I watched as it fell to the floor in slow motion. By some miracle it didn't break when it hit the hardwood floor, but it did splash warm tea all over my legs and feet.

I cursed softly as I rushed into the kitchen for some towels to clean up the mess. I used a wet cloth to try to get the sticky residue off the floor. After double checking that I did not miss anything, I rose to my feet. I intentionally kept my eyes low and away from the mantel where I could swear I felt eyes watching me. Turning and lifting my head to move back to the kitchen to rinse and dispose of the towels, my eyes met Hank's.

"I'm sorry. I forgot I was supposed to meet someone. I need to run. Don't worry about those dishes. I'll pick them up another time." Unlikely, as it would take a team of Clydesdales to drag me back here!

"Are you sure?" Hank asked with a bewildered look on his face. I'm sure I looked batshit crazy to him, and he had only been gone maybe five minutes.

"Yeah, I'm sorry I have to leave so quickly, but I really need to go. Take care of yourself," I replied as I gave him a quick hug and bolted out of the house.

I was at the end of the driveway in seconds. I didn't look for Jax. I wasn't sure where he was and I really didn't care. If he wasn't at the truck when I reached it, he would be on his own. All I knew was it was time to get the hell out of Dodge.

I didn't look back at the house, but I could feel eyes on me.

I ran harder.

~B of L~

The next day was mind-numbingly boring at work. It was raining hard and even though it was the week of the Fourth of July, very few people needed sporting goods. I was working with Angela Weber. I was re-stocking shelves after the holiday rush, while she worked the register and cleaned the windows between customers.

Angela had been on vacation with her family when I first started. She was a tall, pretty girl with a slender build, jet black hair, and large, hazel eyes. She didn't ask a lot of questions about my past and didn't talk about herself excessively. She was genuine and not keen to gossip about others. Angela was a true anomaly in a small town like Forks, or anywhere really.

I considered Angela a god-send, unlike the bosses' moron son, Mike Newton.

Mike was the epitome of a jock: conceded, handsome, and annoying as fuck. He couldn't seem to figure out what to do with me. One minute he would flirt with me. Other times I seemed to be classified as the 'the help' and not worthy of his intentions. I found him obnoxious and self-serving. Gran's old saying of 'Buy him for what he's worth and sell him for what he thinks he's worth' aptly summed him. I had been curious how someone as nice as Mr. Newton could sire someone who affronted me so. A few days later I met Mrs. Newton and the mystery was solved.

As if Mike wasn't bad enough, his presence often came with Jessica Stanley's, his on again, off again girlfriend, according to Angela. She was a pretty girl that chose to cover it up in a pound of makeup. However her personality was so unattractive, I don't think a controlling share of Maybelline could cover it up. Safe to say, I couldn't stand to be around her. She would fawn over Mr. Newton, even though he clearly wanted to run in the opposite direction at the mere sight of her or the sound of her annoying voice.

I dreaded when school started because I would have to endure both Mike and Jessica on a daily basis. Fuck my life! At least Angela would be there too.

I noticed a large Jeep pull up outside and a young couple quickly enter the building. The guy was absolutely huge, bigger than even Quil. His handsome face was topped by shortly cut, raven hair. The woman, probably one of the most beautiful women I had ever seen, had long, blond hair hung in large curls from her head. Both were adorned in what I could only guess as the latest New York fashions. However, I noticed a gorgeous late eighteenth/early nineteenth century, antique necklace with an elaborate 'C' hanging from her neck. Although beautiful, I thought it a little odd for a woman her age wearing a piece like that to get camping supplies.

The longer I subtly watched them, I couldn't help but feel how off they seemed. There wasn't anything in particular in their behavior that made me feel that way. They both had nodded politely to Angela and me when they entered the store and quietly moved along the aisles. I found their penetrating gold eyes disconcerting when they had met mine. They were also both unusually pale, even for sunless Forks.

There was an alien-like quality to them that I found unsettling. If only they could take Mike back to the Mother-ship with them.

A family came into the store while the strange couple was checking out. The Hulk was making pithy conversation with Angela, but I observed as the woman tensed at the family's entrance. She watched the mother and father with something between disdain and jealousy. I would have thought the young parents had wronged her in some way, but they seemed completely ignorant of the animosity toward them. However, her behavior made a little more sense to me when I noticed the longing glances she gave the small boy and girl who were giggling and skipping along the aisles, picking up items here and there and rushing to convince their parents to purchase them. As if he could sense the pain of the woman beside him, the man took her hand and gave it a comforting squeeze.

When they left the store, I stepped down from the ladder I had been perched on and moved to the register.

"That is Rosalie Hale and Emmett Cullen. They just graduated this year. They live with Dr. and Mrs. Cullen," Angela replied to the question that must have been written on my forehead. "The doctor and his wife can't have children so they have several adopted and foster children. Two of them are still in school."

Angela looked outside, watching Emmett fit the large purchase in the back of the vehicle while Rosalie waited not so patiently from the look of it. "The family keeps to themselves mostly." She told me a little more about the Cullens and mentioned they were extremely good customers to the store. "They all seem so happy."

"Yes, they seem," I appeased, as I watched the children run in and out of a tent display.

"You doubt it?" Angela questioned, brow raised.

"Everybody wants something. Some things remain out of reach, no matter how much power or money you have. You show me someone who proclaims or appears to hold the world in the palm of their hand, and I'll show you a very talented actor." I looked back at the children again, "Or actress."

She chuckled, "I'm not sure if you are very cynical or very wise, Bella."

"I'd say a bit of both. But my advice is strictly unsolicited. Thus endith the lesson," I quipped. We both giggled and she moved back to the register that the young father was approaching.

I turned to look at the Jeep as it backed away from the store. My eyes met Rosalie's, her incredulous eyes piercing into mine with an intensity I hadn't witnessed before. My eyes remained locked with her now dark eyes until her worried boyfriend put the vehicle in gear and quickly drove away.

~B of L~

A couple days later found me in La Push making breakfast for Billy and Jake. I was not in a good mood. Jake had begged me to come over and said that he would try to teach me how to ride a motorcycle. I thought making breakfast for them was a nice trade. However, imagine my surprise when Charlie showed up to spend the day with Billy.

Or as I like to refer to as Operation Piss off Bella.

It had all started about a week earlier. I had been surfing in the morning and came home and went straight to the bathroom and took a shower. Having no clothes in the bathroom, I had wrapped a towel around me and prepared to make a dash for my room. Unfortunately, just as I was leaving the bathroom, I heard Charlie start to step on the landing on his way up the stairs. I had run for my room, hoping that he wouldn't see the yellowing bruises remaining on my back and shoulder, but he did.

He had asked a lot of questions about them and wanted to take me to a doctor in Forks. I had refused, saying that I had accidentally got caught in the surf swimming and crashed into some rocks. Why lie? I couldn't explain what had happened and I just wanted to stop the Spanish Inquisition.

All of a sudden Charlie was concerned about my spending time in La Push. Oh, he said it was because of my surfing, but I caught how the mention of my instructor's name seemed to raise Charlie's hackles. He accused Paul of causing the bruises and we ended up getting into a screaming match. I hadn't talked to him since.

I had given Charlie a cold glare for invading my sanctuary that was La Push when he appeared at the Black's door. His appearance seemed to baffle Billy, who had been completely flummoxed at the unexpected sight of his old friend.

Jake stayed in the kitchen helping me cook breakfast, and told me that Billy and Charlie hadn't spoken for several weeks. I didn't comment as I chopped fruit with a vengeance; Jake gave me a worried glance every few minutes.

The meal was slightly awkward as Charlie and I stared each other down, while Billy and Jake watched us nervously. Not so nervous though, that they didn't finish off the stack of thirty pancakes and the pile of sausage. I had fresh strawberries too, but only Billy and I seemed to notice them.

After breakfast, I let the men deal with the dishes while I begged a rain check from Jake saying my head was killing me. I drove to the beach trying to calm myself.

Jax ran ahead of me as I walked down the sand dune toward First Beach. He looked around for unsuspecting fowl to terrorize, but when that proved fruitless he made a beeline for a girl sitting down the beach. I started to run after him to intercede, especially when I saw the girl seemed to be crying.

The little girl giggled as Jax licked at her face. When she pushed him away, she saw me looking at her. A blush showed on her tanned skin.

"Hello," I said, bending down to her level. "The licker here is Jax and I am Bella."

"I'm Makala."

"Very nice to meet you. May I ask what's wrong? Can I help?"

The girl frowned and looked up into my eyes with dark, brown eyes, new tears shining in them. Before I knew what happened, she launched herself toward me and began sobbing into my chest. Her small hands clutched at the back of my shirt as she hugged me to her. Normally uncomfortable with such displays, I pulled up my big girl panties and wrapped my arms around her and whispered assurances that everything would be okay into her ear.

Through her sobs, she tried to tell me something, but it was incomprehensible to my ears. I could only make out 'birthday' and 'grandpa'.

"Makala, honey, look at me. It's going to be okay," I cooed. When she finally looked at me, snot dripping from her nose, I pushed aside the OCD need to jump in the ocean in lieu of trying to help the upset child in front of me. It would definitely serve as my good deed for the day.

Walking her to a bleached out piece of driftwood, we sat down.

"Okay, so all I could understand from earlier was it has something to do with your grandfather." She nodded her head, hiccupping a little.

"Did he pass away?" Now a head shake.

"Then, what is the issue?" I asked, trying to bypass a round of twenty questions.

"I don't know... what to get him for his birthday," she hiccupped.

Is that all? I thought until I remembered what it was like to be young. Children tended to make mountains out of mole hills. And perhaps her grandfather means as much to her as my grandparents did to me.

"Oh. Well, what does he like to do?"

"Sleep."

Okay, this is going to be harder than I thought. "Anything else?"

"He fishes and plays chess."

"Good. Well you could buy him..." I was silenced by the reappearance of tears.

"I... don't... have any... money," she choked out.

"Alright," I cooed. "We'll think of something else. The best gifts are the ones that are homemade anyway. Does he like to eat?"

"Yes," she nodded her head.

"Can your mom help you make his favorite dish?"

She shook her head, a pained look on her face. "Mommy died."

This poor girl!

"Oh, I'm so sorry Makala," I soothed, as I hugged her to me again. Several minutes later, after prying the foot out of my mouth, I tried again. "Can someone else help you? Who do you live with?"

"My Grandpa."

Ahh, I see, I thought. "Okay. Well, I don't have anything planned today and I feel like cooking anyway. Would you like me to help you cook him dinner and a cake?"

A big, bright smile stretched across her face, a dimple appearing on her left cheek. "YES!" she exclaimed excitedly, wiping away tears from her eyes as she jumped to her feet. I chuckled as I rose to mine, wiping off the seat of my pants.

"Okay, lets stop by your house and see what we have to work with. Do you live far?"

"Nope," she said, popping the 'p'. She grabbed my hand and started leading Jax and I away from the beach.

"So, how old are you Makala?"

"I'm nine and a half. My birthday is in September."

I smiled. At what point did I stop answering that question with half years? "What a coincidence! My birthday is the thirteenth of September. When is yours?"

"Really? The fourteenth," she happily replied. We continued along, walking up a hill, as she asked me all about Jax. He walked beside her, with her hand stroking along his dark coat.

I was laughing at something she had said when we crested the hill, and my smile slowly disappeared. The girl had temporarily lifted the anxiety I'd had, over the past week, with regard to the house in front of me. After I ran away from Hank Wilde's home, I tried to block the incident from my memory. Tried being the operative word. I got lost in work, surfing, and Paul.

But I couldn't forget now that we were approaching the same house. It was possible that she would pass the house. Keep walking, going to another home down the street.

I scoffed. I am Bella-fucking-Swan. If it weren't for bad luck, I would have no luck at all.

My trepidation proved well deserved as Makala released my hand and ran up to the house yelling, "Papa. Papa!"

I hesitated at the door, unwilling to go inside. Jax had no such reservations, as he trotted inside to find our new acquaintance. After a moment, Hank appeared at the door with a beaming Makala by his side.

"Hello Bella. How are you?"

"Well, and yourself?"

"Good," he looked at me quizzically. I couldn't blame him after my wig-out last week.

"I was wondering if I could borrow Makala for the afternoon?"

"Oh course. If you're sure she won't be any trouble." He seemed grateful for my offer, looking down adoringly at his granddaughter by his side.

"No trouble, she can help me run some errands. Is there anything I can get you while we're out?"

"No, I'm good. Be safe. Don't let this little tornado wear you out."

"I won't," I chuckled. Makala ran inside the house and came back with a little purse on her shoulder to accessorize her purple T-Shirt and denim skirt.

We walked back to my truck and we made our way to the Ateara store. I needed guidance on what Hank would like to eat. Joy hugged both of us and happily discussed what she knew of Hank's favorite dishes. She gave me some ideas and assured me that Gran had copies of several of them. I shopped for items I knew I didn't have at home while Makala helped Joy check out a few customers. I overheard Joy asking the girl if her big brother was going to be there, so I immediately planned to triple my recipes. Guys on this reservation ate like it was their last meal. When I tried to pay for my items, Joy waved me away stating I was doing her and Old Quil a favor anyway.

We drove to Forks after loading the groceries. After arriving at the house, I got Gran's cookbook from my cubby while Makala ran around the back yard, playing with Jax. I let her help with the measuring and stirring while I did the knife work. Makala talked happily about her best friends that were visiting their grandparents on the Makah reservation and her big brother, Buddy. I prayed that wasn't his real name, but every time I thought to ask her I got sidetracked. I had her start some new bread dough for me, as we baked what I had made up that morning.

After loading the large meal and marble birthday cake with butter-cream frosting, we made our way back to La Push.

When I pulled the truck back into Hank's driveway, Joy was sitting on the porch steps. She explained that Old Quil had taken Hank out for a little while so that she could set up before everyone could get there. I feigned exhaustion at Joy's asking me to stay for dinner. I hugged Makala and escaped before Old Quil brought the man of honor home and could talk me into staying with his puppy dog eyes.

I wasn't ready to go back inside that house. Not by a long shot. It seemed wrong to think of that little boy as a demon, but I couldn't help but to fear him like he was. His angelic face was in opposition to the ominous feeling that came over me.

I'm sure the picture was of Makala's older brother when he was younger. Although I was curious to meet the grown version, I couldn't help but be hesitant.

Anyway, I didn't need any more complications in my life.

Like Paul.

I didn't know what was going on between us. All my attempts to keep him at arm's length were failing.

Miserably.

I was so attracted to him. Hell, I could envision nuns being tempting into sinful acts by the mere sight of him. And I hadn't taken a vow of chastity. Oh God, I pretty much had!

I'm a fucking idiot!

So many nights I woke up with my panties soaked and my breathing ragged.

Dreams of him unzipping my spring suit painstakingly slow, unveiling my bikini underneath. His hands ghosting over my curves with a tenderness that belied the coarseness of his hot, calloused hands. I could feel his warm breath on the back of my neck, his lips softly caressing the skin below my ear. I moaned when his huge arms pulled me taut against his hard body. And believe me, every delicious inch of him was as hard as steel!

Ugh! Can people die of sexual frustration?

He really was a nice guy underneath that bad boy exterior. I liked him too much to start something with him only to leave, sooner rather than later, if Charlie kept getting into my business. Nobody deserved that. I shouldn't have come back, but it was too late for second guessing now.

Paul was beginning to show signs that he wasn't going to tolerate our being just friends much longer. My walls were beginning to crack a little, wanting him every bit as much as it appeared he wanted me.

And that probably scared me more than anything.

~B of L~

PPOV

I hadn't had blue balls since I was thirteen.

There had always been someone to help relieve the pressure before things got that bad. Always a girl willing to caress Paul Jr. with either her tongue or pussy. Or both. There were plenty of women approaching me nowadays too.

But I only could think of Bella. I will admit that at first, my main goal was to bury my throbbing cock inside her. I found her interesting and intriguing, but sex was the ulterior motive to it all.

Now, I was just trying to win her time. I wanted to spend time with her. I was pussy whipped and I hadn't even tapped it yet!

She seemed to enjoy spending time with me too, but whenever the air heated between us, and it always did, she would escape. Fucking vampires were proving easier to catch than her!

I was forever on Jake's shit list because of my attempts. I was royally screwed whenever he took over as Alpha. But although the thought of my fooling around with Bella infuriated him, he recognized I was probably the best option to keep her on the reservation.

She wouldn't discuss the recent past or her future plans with anyone, even Old Quil. He had even offered her the apartment over his store that she refused. I found that odd, as she seemed to spend all her time in La Push. I think all she did at her father's house was to cook and sleep. She didn't speak about her family and I didn't speak of mine, some unspoken rule between us. Sometimes she would mention her Gran, only to go silent for several minutes.

Embry was still pissed at me. He had glared at the last movie night at Jake and Billy's when Bella sat on the sofa tucked under my arm. Embry had accepted his friend status with Bella, and I think his main beef with me, was he thought she deserved more. I totally agreed, but it wouldn't stop me.

I wasn't sure what was going to happen between us. Not enough, that's for fucking sure!

For not being Pack, she fit in well with us. She hung out with the others as long as Leah was not present. Which was not a problem as Quil was still not talking to Leah. The distance was making him ill, but Quil felt it was worth it. He had a helluva lot more balls than I had him figured for.

The Council hadn't determined on how to deal with the paternity issue of Bella. I could tell enough by her never mentioning Charlie, not to ask her. Some people worried that even though no girl had ever phased, it could happen. They feared what would happen if Bella was exposed for prolonged periods of time to bloodsuckers. Say, like at high school. A bit of a leap, I thought, but stranger things have happened.

The Pack had recalled that her scent was... off, but it had gotten less noticeable since the initial bonfire. I never really noticed it; she smelled incredible to me. It remained yet another mystery of Bella Swan.

The lessons that Bella and I were giving each other were going good. She was getting better at catching a few waves. And I was now in the habit of making my own bread. It really did taste better than store bought. My omelets still looked like shit, but they tasted good.

We had such an easy time together. If only Bella would admit the chemistry between us and give me a chance.

I looked over to her sitting on her board, watching some whales in the distance. She looked happy and peaceful. She had been acting strangely the last week or so, like she was worrying about something. But now she had a contented smile on her face. The sea suited her.

"Can I ask you something?" I wondered.

"Sure."

"Why haven't I seen your hair down? It's either under a hat or in a braid like now." So many of my fantasies had her hovering over me with her hair cascading on either side of my face as she kissed me passionately. Besides the color, all I could tell was her hair was probably around shoulder length based on the length of her braids or ponytails under her Yankees hat.

"Keeps it from tangling in the water. It has a mind of its own. And hats just make sense with all this damn rain. Keeps my mascara from running," she commented, looking away. She didn't lie, but I could tell she was deflecting my question.

My wolf growled lowly in my head at her slight deception. I had been so... happy lately that I hadn't heard much from him.

I tentatively raised a hand towards her, catching a stray strand of hair blowing in the breeze. I twirled it along my finger a few times and then tucked it behind her ear. Her breath hitched and she turned to look at me, her large doe-like eyes locking onto mine.

"I love the red in it," I commented huskily. She didn't respond, just kept looking at me while she worried her lip.

I slowly slid my hand to cup her cheek and watched as Bella closed her eyes. "Paul," she whispered. The warning she intended offset as she leaned into my hand.

She is so fucking beautiful. Fuck the friend zone! I have to kiss her.

My hand slipped to the back of her neck, and I leaned forward, pulling her towards me. Her heartbeat quickened, and her little rose tongue peaked out of her mouth, wetting her lips. Ghosting my lips over hers, I waited until she opened her eyes.

Her warm, sweet breath wafted in my face making my wolf purr. Her deep, brown eyes finally opened and stared at me in anticipation. Considering permission granted, I lowered my lips to hers.

She tasted so fucking sweet! Like fresh strawberries, with a hint of salt from ocean she had been swimming in.

I started moving my mouth over hers softly, gently. Her lips answered each of my silent questions. I suppressed a growl building in my chest, when she raised a petite hand and gripped at my bicep. The chill of her skin from the water burned into my flesh.

I deepened the kiss and she moaned in my mouth, causing my dick to twitch. However, it came to full attention when she caught my lower lip between her teeth and tugged lightly. I growled lowly and raised my hand up to hold her head to me as my tongue licked at her delicious lips.

She suddenly jerked away from me, batting my hand away. Her eyes turned from scared to sad when she looked up into mine, taking in my confused expression. She shook her head and closed her eyes, inhaling deeply. Her eyes reopened and she started paddling for shore. "Come on, let's get going. I'm hungry."

I don't think so! I placed a large hand on her retreating board, stopping her progress. I pulled her back beside me roughly and glowered down at her.

"What are you afraid of?" My tone was harsher than I wanted. I was sick of her pushing me away when I fucking knew how I affected her. I cringed when I saw a tear roll down her cheek. You're an asshole, Lahote!

"Bella, I won't hurt you." And I wouldn't, not if I could help it.

"I know," she exhaled, her eyes closed. She opened them, unnerving me with the conviction in them. "It's not me I'm worried about getting hurt."

~B of L~

Not too far outside of Portland:

James was sick of Victoria.

He would toss her aside if it weren't for her gift. She had saved his ass in Siberia. He had made a mistake underestimating those Children of the Moon. Her evasion allowed them to escape, if only barely.

Their little coven had been feeding in Portland for about a month until they decided to move on. Laurent had felt like he was being drawn north, and James was indifferent to the prospect.

Victoria however wanted to find somewhere to stay for a while. Clean up. For a nomad, she didn't seem to be too accustomed to the lifestyle. A little dirt and rain never hurt anybody, especially a vampire. But she bitched and moaned constantly about it.

Or about their relationship. Always clinging to him. She was under the delusion that they were mates. That he loved her. It was ludicrous.

He loved blood, inflicting pain, and most importantly the chase. Not a red-headed whore with only self-preservation to recommend herself.

James had urged Laurent and Victoria to go ahead to Seattle while he hunted some more. He needed solitude. He needed a good fuck and blood where Victoria couldn't interfere.

Running through the Cascade Mountains not too far from Mount. St. Helens, he stopped abruptly when the wind suddenly shifted. He took a deep breath, his eyes turned pitch black and venom pooled in his mouth. Ambrosia, he thought. Along with the crisp mountain air was a hint of the greatest fragrance he had ever smelt. Surpassing even that of the asylum girl he had pursued decades before.

Seattle now a forgotten memory, he started to run against the wind. He had to have the blood that belonged to that scent. It was only the slightest whiff on the wind that he had inhaled. Oh how intense the bouquet would be with his nose against the jugular. It would be overwhelming.

Intoxicating.

Tantalizing.

Mouth-Watering.

He ran for some time in a northwestern track. He barely registered the territory line of a coven as he sped to his meal. A rather large coven if all the scent trails were an indicator.

His journey ended in the yard to a white two-story home at the outer edge of a small town. The potent scent wafted off of the blades of grass. The smell led him to the backdoor of the house, and he listened for any heartbeats within. Unfortunately, there was none. He walked around to the front and found the trail again, leading to the driveway where it disappeared. No vehicles were parked there.

It looked like dinner was out. He didn't know when it would return.

But he could wait. After all, he had all the time in the world.

A/N Thanks for reading! Although I didn't answer much of anything, I wouldn't call this a filler chapter either. There will be some answers next chapter, I promise. Okay, maybe a few questions too. ;D

So as this is fanfiction, I have taking some liberties with the story. The Cullens came to Forks a year later than what they would have in canon. Most of the Forks crowd are a year younger as well.

Some more recs, as it has been a while:

Protecting Maddie by BetterinTexas (Peter/Bella)

I Live by GeezerWench (Jasper/Bella)

40 Weeks by kerigocrazy (Quil/Bella)

Dark Imprint by peters kitten (Peter/Bella)

Jagged Edges Heal by twifantasyfan (Embry/Bella)

Longing by JoyfulyetHestiantpen (Jasper/Bella)

Mating Call by feebes86 (Embry/Bella)

The Life and Times of Charlie Swan by dragonfly76